STRONG THRUST HELD.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 306, 8 October 1942, Page 3

STRONG THRUST HELD.

THE DEFENCE OF STALINGRAD.

INTENSIFIED ATTACKS MADE

LONDON, October 7. Hitler’s boast a week ago that the Germans would take Stalingrad is still unfulfilled, although the situation is full of danger for the Russians. The Germans have again been stoppe from thrusting into the heart of the city. The Moscow corespondent of the J “Daily Telegraph” says: “German prisoners confirm that: Hitler in a message to the troops told them to storm the centre of Stalingrad if they did not wish to spend the winter on the frozen steppe. The Germans have 'never attacked so desperately, so incessantly, or in such force as they did yesterday, and never have they failed so completely. The Russians did not lose .a single position in 24 hours of incessant fighting. “The Russians are gaining time of inestimable value for Stalingrad, for Moscow, for Baku, for Russia, and for a general victory. They are keeping up one of the world's" most decisive battles until help shall come.” The Soviet midday communique says the Germans after bringing up reserves launched attack after attack on the Russian positions. Six successive German attacks in one sector were thrown hack with heavy losses. The communique does not name the sectors where fighting is going on. Constant Counter-Attacks. ■ North-west of Stalingrad Soviet , Jroops continue their offensive operations . The Germans are constantly counter-attacking without success. On one height there were 10 attacks and counter-attacks in succession. The Germans in the Mozdok area continue their efforts to advance to the Groznyi oilfields, suffering progldal losses; for very slight gains. In one sector they launched an attack Wih 100 tanks, which was repulsed after 40 had been destroyed. They later attacked again with 70 tanks, losing 22 more, and having to retire again. i The opinion is hardening that Stalingrad will hold out until the winter, when the freezing of the Volga may open a new phase. The freezing of the river would facilitate Russian military traffic across the Volga, but it might also enable the Germans to develop an encircling movement. Turkish military circles are of the opinion that if resistance at Stalingrad is prolonged Germany will have lost the decisive battle of 1942, which will possibly bo the equivalent of losing the entire war. The Germans are receiving local setbacks in different parts of the city. Hand-to-hand fighting has broken dht with renewed ferocity in many, streets in scattered areas. In some parts ol the city’s defences the Russians have recaptured several points of strategic importance. The Germans are resuming their massed bombing raids against blocks selected for saturation. The Luftwaffe’s present aim is apparently to blast a - path through the defences to the Volga docks, while tanks and infantry, following up, will be enabled to cut up the resisting sections and then clean up these piece by piece. The Russians steadiness, however, is not affected. They continue defending each block of buildings and every house and court- * yard. The river transport serving the city brings up Russian reinforcements and supplies day and night. Strength of Resistance. Stalingrad is still surprising the Gormans with hard-hitting resistance, as the panzer general, Von Hoth, again learned bn Monday. He assaulted the factory forts in the city’s northern area and encountered a powerful barrage from massed Russian guns, which heavily punished the' spearhead of 100 tanks, caused severe casualties, and dispersed German infantry. The .Soviet Tass Agency says that the Russians at Stalingrad captured a

secret report by tbo chief surgeon of the 15tli German Division, calling attention to the sharp increase of selfinflicted wounds among the German troops. The Moscow radio stated that in seven days of stubborn fighting on the Leningrad front the Germans lost 4000 officers and men. 17 tanks, nine guns and other material. Fifty enemy blockhouses, strong-points, and dug-outs were also destroyed.